Research Catalog

Details

Description

1. xxii, 333 pages : illustrations, maps; 25 cm

Summary

1. ʻIffat Al Thunayan, spouse of the late King Faysal bin ʻAbdul ʻAziz Al Saʻud (ruled 1964-1975), was a pillar of the ruling Al Saʻud family. Born and raised in Istanbul to an uprooted Saʻudi family, she returned to the Kingdom in 1932, a few months before the founder ruler, ʻAbdul ʻAziz bin ʻAbdul Rahman, reinstituted the monarchy. ʻIffat used her influence to infiltrate many progressive ideas into the Kingdom, including significant strides in education for both boys and girls as well as major advances in health care. An astute observer and a doer par excellence, Queen ʻIffat left her mark on the contemporary history of the Al Saʻud, as she protected and empowered her kin. She raised a formidable family, listened carefully, guided conversations as necessary, spoke with moderation, and recommended policies to her husband and, after he was assassinated, to her brothers-in-law who succeeded him. A politically conscious spouse, Queen ʻIffat played the leading role in Saʻudi female society, attended many state functions, and received female state guests. She traveled extensively, especially in Europe and the United States, supported myriad charities, and cajoled many to invest in the Kingdom. Universally respected, many people sought her advice for she shared her ambitions and ideas to benefit the entire country. Based on multiple interviews conducted with members of the al-Faysal family, friends, and acquaintances of the late queen, Joseph A. Kéchichian offers the first political biography of a Saʻudi monarch's spouse. This work is an important resource for social scientists and political analysts, and of interest to all who wish to learn about Arab women in general, and Saʻudi women in particular.--From dust jacket.

Subject

1. Thunayyān, ʻIffat, 1916-2000
2. Thunayan, 'Iffat Al, 1916-2000
3. Queens > Saudi Arabia > Biography
4. Spouses of heads of state > Saudi Arabia > Biography
5. Women > Saudi Arabia > Biography
6. Women
7. Women
8. 15.75 history of Asia
9. Biographies
10. Queens
11. Spouses of heads of state
12. Königin
13. Ehegatte
14. Ehefrau
15. Staatsoberhaupt
16. Frau
17. Biografie
18. Drottningar > Saudiarabien > 1900-talet > biografi
19. Queens > Saudi Arabia > 20th century > biography
20. Drottningar
21. Kvinnor > sociala aspekter
22. Saudi Arabia
23. Arabie saoudite
24. Saudi Arabia
25. Saudi-Arabien
26. Saudi arabia

Genre/Form

1. Biography
2. Biographies.

Contents

1. I. From Constantinople to Makkah -- The Al Thunayan -- Constantinople -- The road to Makkah -- 2. A pillar of the al Sa'ud -- A glimpse of 'Iffat's character -- Sons and daughters -- Family, friends and acquaintances -- The mast of the nation -- 3. Edudcation for a re-born nation -- First steps in education -- Creating institutions -- A life of philanthropy -- A measure of progress to educate for God and country -- 4. Health priorities for a growing population -- Philanthropic societies -- Assistance to the disabled -- Health institutions -- The impact of Jawharan al Thunayan -- 5. The role of women in the Kingdom -- Women in Islam -- Women in Sa'udi Arabia -- Women as role models -- 'Iffat al Thunayan and Sa'udi women -- 6. From the Hijaz to Najd -- Wounded but not broken -- Healed by willpower -- Strengthened by faith.

Owning institution

1. Princeton University Library

Bibliography (note)

1. Includes bibliographical references and index.